Arizona Association for Economic Development
2001 - 2005 Strategic Plan

Strategic Vision: AAED is the leading advocate of responsible economic development for all of Arizona.

1.0 - Economic Development Advocacy
1.1 Educate community and business leaders, and our membership, on the value, focus and processes of economic development.

1.2 Establish a presence in the awareness of the Arizona governmental and media-communities, which causes AAED to come to their minds first, as a resource when dealing with economic development issues.

1.3 Gain the respect of private industry and public leaders so that it supports AAED efforts, both with volunteer effort and financial contributions.

1.4 Take a leading role in the public policy debate on economic development issues, so that the end results are based less on emotion, and more on facts and reason.

2.0 - Networking
2.1 Build strategic alliances and relationships with organizations which share our common interests, becoming enough of a dominant force in economic issues that related organizations and associations seek AAED out as a desired partner in their activities.

2.2 Enhance professional relationships within AAED by providing a creative variety of networking opportunities for all our members.

3.0 - Membership Development
3.1 Attract and retain a membership which allows us to successfully achieve our vision.

3.2 Increase member involvement in AAED activities and provide necessary mentoring support.

4.0 - AAED Image
4.1 Create and implement a public relations plan which will increase our visibility, improve our reputation, and promote us as "experts, professionals and advocates for economic development"

5.0 - Financial Strength
5.1 Maintain the revenues required to accomplish our vision.

5.2 Continuously improve our financial control and reporting system to ensure prudent financial expenditure and reliable, easy-to-understand financial reporting.

5.3 Achieve and maintain a six-month operating reserve, invested conservatively.

6.0 - Lean, focused leadership, structure, processes.
6.1 Create a leadership and staff development program which provides AAED the continued availability of diversified, qualified, and motivated volunteers and staff to carry out our vision.

6.2 Improve processes and procedures to be more cost effective, while maintaining a high degree of user-friendliness.